Whether a person with malicious intent is trying to retrieve sensitive data, the data is no longer needed, or it gets misplaced, shredding is crucial. We often could be safer with how we handle our own information. However, when we are in charge of maintaining security in regard to others’ financial and personal information, it even more important that we handle these documents with care. Here are some common questions about document shredding that are helpful to know the answers to before purchasing a shredder.
What’s the Most Secure Cut?
There are several different types of cuts when it comes to shredding machines. There are strips (which are not that secure), crosscut (which typically offer medium-level security), and micro-cut (the most secure option). With each type, the level of security goes up as the shreddings become finer. Depending on what you’re shredding, you’ll be able to better determine which level of security you need.
How Do I Maintain the Machine?
There are a few ways to maintain your machine and keep it performing at its best. If you are going to be doing a lot of shredding, you’ll want to ensure you acquire a machine meant to shred for long periods of time without overheating.
Additionally, using shredder oil to grease your machine is important. It should be applied every thirty minutes of shredding time. There are specific products for this purpose, so do not use cooking oil or some other type of lubricant, thinking it will work the same; that type of oil will clog the machine and cause it to break down faster. Moreover, to keep the blades sharp, run aluminum foil sheets through the shredder every once in a while.
What Does NSA Approved Mean?
The NSA is the National Security Agency. Being approved by the NSA means that a shredder meets its requirements with a security level rating of six. This means the shredding particles that are generated are as small as 1mm x 5mm or smaller.
These shreds can never be pieced back together. If you’re wondering which shredders meet these requirements, the NSA has an approved shredder list, and Capital Shredder lists approval with each authorized machine.
You may have many more questions regarding shredders and the best ways to destroy your documented information. These are simply a few common questions about document shredding. For more information, turn to the professionals at Capital Shredder.
Capital Shredder offers various commercial office shredder options. We even have crosscut shredders ranging in security levels to provide high-volume micro-cut level security that are approved by the Department of Defense (DOD), Central Security Service (CSS), and the National Security Agency (NSA).
